Excitement Builds for Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025 in Puri

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Preparations Underway
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: The preparations for the eagerly anticipated Jagannath Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival or Gundicha Yatra, are in full swing in Puri, Odisha. This annual celebration of Mahaprabhu is one of the twelve Yatras dedicated to Shree Jagannatha, with Rath Yatra being the most renowned and revered. According to the Skanda Purana, no festival honoring Lord Jagannath holds greater significance than the Shree Gundicha Yatra. The procession of the 'four deities' occurs on the second day of the waxing phase of Ashadha, which falls on Friday, June 27 this year.
Ritual Importance of Rath Yatra
The chariot is imbued with deep significance, symbolizing "Sandhini Sakti." It is believed that simply touching the Ratha bestows the compassion of Lord Shree Jagannatha upon devotees. The grand, intricately adorned chariots are pulled by thousands of worshippers.
Each chariot features four wooden horse idols, and the kahalia servitor plays a trumpet, accompanied by the sound of gongs. As the chariots are drawn, the Ratha Dahuk, a performer who chants ritual verses, sings various songs to motivate the crowd in pulling the chariot.
The Rathas are drawn towards the Shree Gundicha Temple, located three kilometers away. Upon arrival, the idols of Lord Sudarsana, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Shree Jagannatha are carried by Daitapatis to the Simhasana within the temple. During their seven-day stay at the Shree Gundicha Temple, all rituals akin to those at Shreemandira are conducted. After this period, the deities return to their original abode at Shreemandira.
Rath Yatra 2025: Schedule and Timing
As per Drik Panchang, the Rath Yatra is set for June 27. The auspicious timings for the event are as follows:
Dwitiya Tithi Begins – 1:24 PM on June 26
Dwitiya Tithi Ends – 11:19 AM on June 27
Nine-Day Schedule for Rath Yatra 2025
Date | Event |
---|---|
June 13, 2025 | Anavasara Begins |
June 26, 2025 | Anavasara Ends / Gundicha Marjana |
June 27, 2025 | Rath Yatra |
July 1, 2025 | Hera Panchami |
July 4, 2025 | Bahuda Yatra |
July 5, 2025 | Suna Besha |
July 5, 2025 | Niladri Bijay |